Author's Note
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A Flare For Gold
It had felt like forever and a half since Posey Shy had seen the polished floors and pony-stuffed halls of this airship station, but all that filled her mind was joy. She could already feel the kinks in her neck fading away, the stress of her home life like dust broomed away by the wind.
Finally, some time in Los Pegasus to lay back and relax! And play slots, too!
Golly, it was only one glowing passenger gate away.
Slowly, the line Posey was in moved, and she along with it, an eagerly bouncing link in an otherwise agitated chain. Even now, Posey could hear the hissed mumblings of parents to kids, tourists to pets, and in one case, a griffin to a zebra.
Hm. She didn’t think they’d be a couple, being on opposite ends of Equestia after all.
But again, she thought as the line moved up again, that is the miracle of sky travel, isn’t it? Where words fail, wings don’t.
Then Posey heard a noise and locked in on it fast. There, right past the columns, and the twinkling bathroom signs, was a unicorn mare. She was busy chatting on a cell phone wedged to her ear, her almost bowl-like red mane twinkling like the sunrise. A brown-golden coat over milk-white hooves. A look that flicked between bashful and business-like by the second.
Even without the nametag on her jacket proudly calling her Stellar Flare, Posey knew she had to have more info about her.
“Wow!” she bubbled as Stellar neared her at last. “I assume you’re going the same way too, Mrs. Flare?”
Almost immediately, guilt volleyed its way into Posey’s chest. She barely even knew the mare, and she was probably interrupting a call to fix that? What would her daughter Fluttershy think?
Thankfully… “I wasn’t, my dear… uhhh…”
“Posey. Posey Shy.”
“Right. Miss Shy,” Her voice twinkled like diamonds - probably fitting, considering her eyes. “Well, my last flight got canceled inexplicably -” she hissed, her every word dripping with disbelief and ire. “So I decided to make the most of this day before the no-doubt loud day that will follow at Sire’s Hollow.”
“Oooh, that sounds terrible,” Posey said, hoping her words soothed the simmering heart of Stellar. “Give my regards to the other line - I’m sure they’ll understand.”
“Not your fault that happened, love,” Stellar said. “And I’d hope the pony on the other end would understand - he’s my wonderful son.”
Posey’s ears perked up. “Oh, you too? Your husband must be proud.”
“No dice, Miss Shy. Sorry.” Stellar said. “Been a bit cloudy on that front, actually. It’s also why I picked this flight - if any place offers enough bedazzlement and bachelorettes for any mare to drool at, it's Los Pegasus.” Then, into the phone, Stellar’s voice took a far more babying cadence. “Yes, Sunburst, I am fully capable of talking about stuff like this. I’m already happy you and Starlight are settling together, little as her parent’s doing to stop hopping on my nerves.”
Bachelorettes? Posey was getting more and more info by the hour. “So, who are you next to on this flight,” she hurriedly asked, trying to switch gears. “I’m always curious just who a plane can make seatmates out of.”
Stellar idly looked at her ticket sticking out of her breast pocket, eyes crossing a little at the angle. “Hmm. Window seat, next to a… Spoiled Rich?”
And now Posey could feel her heart hammer into her hooves. Welp, there went any chance of Stellar’s mood improving; even she’d heard the horror stories from Fluttershy and her friends about that stuck-up mare. “I… I wish you luck then, Stellar,” she said, extending a hoof. “Sound like your flight will be a bit more… energetic than mine.”
But Stellar didn’t look like she shared the trepidation that made Posey’s snout twitch. In fact, the grin she had on her face was downright devious.
“Actually, Miss Shy,” she said. “I think I quite like knowing I’ll be seat-to-seat with Spoiled. We’ve met before and… well, I think now’s the time I capitalized on the close company for once.”
As Stellar shuffled to the back of the line, the back of Posey’s ears felt so hot that she wondered if the airship hadn’t taken off over her already.
Goodness, that was no doubt in her mind hearing Stellar’s voice. She fancied the pointy-snouted aristocrat and she knew it’d only end in one of two ways.
And yet, she couldn’t find it in her to fear that.
Certainly, it’d make this flight interesting.
Speaking of the other half, there Spoiled was, right at the ticket check. Had she been just ahead of the stallion in front of Posey this whole time? Probably easy to - you could lose Mount Everhoof behind the massive frame of Bulk Biceps.
With some effort, Posey reached a hoof forward, trying to tap upon Spoiled’s shoulder. Curse her morbid curiosity, forget the bad reputation, Spoiled deserved to know what hot front was coming her way.
“Um… Spoiled?” she piped up.
“What?” The word dropped with the same venom as the word ‘tapeworm’ but there was… something else behind it. Fatigue? Wariness?
Regardless, Spoiled was waiting for an answer. Posey just needed to plow past her stuttering tongue to give it.
“It… it’s about the person you’ll be seated across.” Posey said. “She-”
“Is either going to leave me be, which puts her on a higher post than you right now,” Spoiled jaw curled irritably… “Or she will tell me all about her day from minute one, in which case…”
Posey waited for the final insult, feeling like a Prench heiress waiting for the guillotine to drop.
“...thank you for the warning.” And Spoiled was gone, a coral and periwinkle blur darting into the tunnel leading.
Posey could have shouted after Spoiled just what that mare would want to talk about, but didn’t. Not only did she not trust her voice, a small vein of mischief flaring in her wanted Spoiled to find out herself.
Still, that was an unorthodox dip into kindness that Spoiled just showed, pun fully intended (considering her dear daughter’s Element-confirmed talent!) Maybe the first option for the conversation might bear out after all.
Or not. Either way, fireworks would follow.
All Posey knew, as she stepped up to the counter, was how glad she would be to have the seat at the opposite end of the row. Somehow, she knew the Equestria countryside would be the most interesting thing to see unravel before her eyes today.
Spoiled’s hoof tapped impatiently at the tray jutting into her lap, too engrossed in the movie flashing in the seat cradle before her to fast-forward through it. She never thought she’d be in a state like this, actually keeping her eyes glued to the slow process of C-tier feature film dreck instead of banishing it under a flick of the double arrows to the right of the screen.
Of course, she thought ruefully as she watched Shadow Spade solve crimes on that tiny screen, several things I never thought would happen already have before.
It was a rumble of a pony settling into the seat across from her, the slow beep of her phone cutting into her movie-watching, that pulled the matriarch from her stupor. “Yes, Sunburst. Hold on, we’re about to take off now.”
Indeed, the signs above Spoiled were flashing hard, though the purple-haired mare could care less about them.
“Okay, love you!” And with a snap, that unicorn was face-to-face with Spoiled.
Spoiled could scarcely believe it: Stellar Flare was sitting across from her? They’d been rivals in estate development for what felt like decades! Even how, Spoiled could almost see the answers to everything riding on the top of Stellar’s tongue, the muscles tensed in a silent guarantee that she would always look down at anypony across from her.
Well, not Spoiled. She’d been fortunate enough - in mates and in money management - to hand this mare her fair share of acquisitional losses. “Hello there, Miss Flare,” she said.
“Miss Rich.” Stellar responded. “Never thought we’d meet like this?”
“Yes. Usually, you’re on your back after my oratory’s blown you away, dear,” Spoiled taunted, waiting for the return volley from her fierce rival.
However, that never arrived, Stellar only sucking in a deep breath at those words. Spoiled’s lip curled; had this mare come down with something? Nothing made her cheeks redden like that before.
Ah well, point to Ponyville's Richest Mare.
“Well, Spoiled…” Stellar said. “It’s very nice to see that tongue’s as sharp as ever.” Her vision locked for an uncannily long time on the purple lips of Spoiled as well; she was clearly playing at something more on this encounter.
Maybe a dodgy property? Thought Rich, bare as the record had been for Stellar doing such an action. That’s what she liked about Stellar; directness and honesty were rarities in her business, a lesson bucked into Spoiled so many times by her mother that even the memory of it made her heart clench in rage.
“Of course, I stay alert, Stellar,” she said, in dire need of bug-spray for the cocoons twitching in her stomach. “You would respect nothing less, would you?”
Stellar nodded. “Point.” Then she curled into her seat, the cushiony red puffs blending well with her perfectly coiffed mane. “Still, I suppose we should spend this time talking too - just to keep those wits up.”
“Fire away.” Stellar did deserve some redemption. After all, Spoiled knew if any mare could make such an opportunity worth her time, it was this unicorn. Some of her retorts had even made Spoiled laugh uncontrollably way back when, utterly lost at how daring a pony could be at her age.
“Alright. Let’s start with something lowkey.” Stellar’s head craned forward, breath washing over Spoiled’s twitching snout. “Just how much free time have you gained to be on an airship like this?”
Spoiled wanted to answer. Really, she did, but the thought of just what was keeping her from being in Ponyville during a school day for her daughter - and just what had happened during the recent school board elections - was a hammer blow to her soul.
Of course now Stellar had to remind her why she was making this trip alone.
“Sorry. Try another question, Flare,” she said, her voice trembling far more than she wanted.
“Oooh, not hearing a “
“We are not talking about th-”
Then Spoiled’s ears perked at the movie still playing on the screen to the left of her heated face. Specifically, Shadow Spade musing over what was certainly a case-cracking clue that she’d gotten from a recorder. Hows he hated that the movies (ironyyyyy!) usually portrayed ponies listening to recorders stopped just at the right moment.
After all, Shadow Spade said as she rapped the table impatiently, how often is it that ponies have such a perfect thing drop into their lap and everything works out smoothly?
Spoiled paused. Perhaps there was something to this movie Rarity had recommended to her. Perhaps Spoiled was the one in the wrong for thinking everything she fashioned would simply play out perfectly.
Even with Tiara.
“It is actually about my daughter,” Spoiled said before she could even stop herself. “I got in a fight with her, and it…” She thickly swallowed. “It could have progressed better.”
Stellar’s hoof went to her maw, “Goodness, I didn’t know,” she said. “So I’m guessing that means this trip is for…”
“Yup. Needed the time apart.” Spoiled said, “Thank goodness you’re here - not many mares like looking me in the eyes recently.” Rarity wasn’t one of them, natch; following that movie’s lead had helped her heart caulk over those wounds perfectly.
Apparently, Stellar seemed a fan too, if the big grin she sported was any indicator. “Then I guess we should switch to other topics then. Like, say… maybe just what you’re planning to wet your whistle with in Los Pegasus. Gotta have some big plans for that party central, right?”
Spoiled was surprised a little; Stellar, interested in drinks? But alas, she appreciated the change in subject. “Oh, like you wouldn’t believe. Sunset Sasparillas all day, my friend.”
“Wow.” Stellar’s mouth jutted open. “My favorite too. You remembered.” Then a warm grin spread on her face. “Of course you did.”
“Now now, you don’t have to beg. “If you want, I’ll cover for the both of us. As a celebration to your ruthless commanding of industry.”
“Oh! And the insurance on the rooms, considering how much we’ll both be up to in Los Pegasus… how good is it?”
“The best, dear…” Spoiled said, her mind focusing on a very crazy option now. Something she hadn’t even thought of before, but that Stellar’s exuberance had spawned alight in her. “In fact, I think I should… well…”
“Well, what?” Stellar’s eyes were almost twinkling as she clasped her hooves together.
But for Spoiled, the resolve faded just as fast as it came. Goodness, what was she to think that more indulgent shows of monetary might would get her daughter proud of her again? “Never mind. It was probably a stupid idea.
“Oh,” Stellar looked like she’d had her horn shorn off. “Well… I guess that’s a shame. Especially considering…”
“Considering what?” Spoiled prodded. Not much disappointed Stellar; had she made a mistake dismissing her leap-of-faith option?
“Well…” Then Stellar found her voice again. “I actually appreciated what you said when I had that spat with Jackpot. About… not letting one bad rainfall keep you from seeing the rainbows in your life.“
That moment cinched it. “Oh, what the hell. I’ll make some calls Stellar - then it’ll just be you and me for the rest of the day!”
Stellar almost looked like Spoiled had grown another head. “Wait… really? You’d do all that… for me?”
“Who else? You’ve been keeping me at my best for years, it's long past time I returned the favor!”
And judging by Stellar’s grin, it was the right move. “Excellent! I’ll be waiting for you, Spoiled. I know that this day’ll be just perfect for us both.”
With triumph burning bright in her heart, Spoiled nodded her approval and turned back to the movie, losing herself in those black-and-white frames. Stellar was right; why let one bad moment paint her entire life? She could easily be the mother her daughter looked up to again! By the time night fell, she’d make sure to call Tiara and invite her and Filthy here! It was perfect, perfect, perfect! Soon, Spoiled’s bed - and homelife - would be well and full again!
And it would be all thanks to that madly-grinning Stellar Flare, almost a copper blur as she left the disembarking airship ahead of Spoiled.
It was almost the second after Spoiled stepped from the plane, bags swiftly retrieved from the conveyor dully twinkling before her, that another familiar face popped up in front of her.
This time, though, Spoiled wasn’t perturbed to see her.
“There is something I really need to tell you, Miss Rich,” Posey said, her breathing significantly heavier, her cheeks far closer to the shade of her rosy mane. “Correction. There is something my daughter’s friend Dash wanted to tell you, but I won the coin toss.”
Spoiled would have snorted at this, honest. But something about Posey’s bowstring-tight pose promised something worth the wait at landing that wasn’t there at takeoff. “Continue.”
“Alright. It’s about Stellar.” A lump traveled down her throat.” You know why she was talking with you so long, right?”
Spoiled’s jaw worked over the implications. She didn’t expect such thoroughness and thoughtfulness from that mare, but today was full of pleasant surprises lately. “Clearly, she had a good day in business and hopes to share the charm with me. I have no doubt I can teach her a fair bit, pardon the pun.”
“O-oh, I’m certain you teaching her some things is on her agenda, Miss Rich.”
Spoiled cocked an eyebrow at that. There was something brimming in that pegasus’s voice. “You’re going to get to the point, right? I have a hotel room to get to.”
Posey nodded. “Alright then. Stellar is in love with you.”
Spoiled rolled her eyes. Well, of course, Stellar had a son, she was always going to lo-
Hold on.
Rewind.
Stellar was in love with her?!
“W-what?!” Spoiled roared, her mouth jutting so hard she was scared she’d bite her tongue off. “What proof do you even have of this?”
“Told me as much before takeoff, Miss Rich. She’s lonely and you’re right in her sights.”
Spoiled’s eyes shot to the exit gates, eyes wider than dinner plates. When she was sure no raw-copper mane was coming out of that threshold, she whirled back to Posey. “B-but how would she even think that I was available! She just asked me if I had free time on my hooves, and then we talked about drinks and how well-insured our rooms are-”
Then realization collided into Spoiled with all the subtlety of a Friendship With Benefits Express.
“-oh my god.” Rubbing a hoof down her overheated face, Spoiled’s pleading eyes bore into Posey’s. “Do you know what this means?!”
“Indeed, Spoiled; you’re dating your competitor.”
Spoiled felt ready to faint, and not just because she saw Stellar winking at her, almost invisible around the corner of the starling baggage check. She couldn't even think of a stunning retort to Posey.
Which was no longer of any worry to Posey, it seemed. “I do hope your stay in Los Pegasus is as bright as mine will be, Miss Rich.” Posey couldn’t keep that “Just be sure you’ve got the water insurance up to date too. Dash says there might be a wet season striking this place soon.“
And Posey was gone, whistling airily to herself as she tucked her bags under her wings. Goodness, Dash was such a generous spirit, calling forecasts ahead of time. Perhaps that’s why she commanded so many Winter Wrap-Ups.
Spoiled, on the other hand, couldn’t have felt more fragile. Her mind was like the carousels twinkling outside the wind, her heart a jackhammer threatening to slip its cord and unroot from her chest. And those cocoons in her stomach? Butterflies now, turning her nerves white-hot with just how much of Stellar’s statements were come-ons, proposal, urges unbidden for such a lonely mare as Stellar.
Urges that Spoiled had dared her to act on.
By Celestia’s crown, she’d just propositioned her rival by accident.
And Rich thought the last face she’d want to see grinning at her was the Crusaders’.
